Vulcănești–Chișinău high-voltage line nears completion
The Isaccea – Vulcănești – Chișinău high-voltage line is now 90% complete, according to Energy Minister Dorin Junghietu. He also mentioned that the Vulcănești and Chișinău power stations are in an advanced stage of preparation.
By the start of the rainy season, the line component is expected to be 90% complete. Approximately 128 kilometers of conductors have already been installed, and all 507 foundations for the pylons have been finished. There are still 40 pylons remaining to be assembled and erected, according to an official on a TVR Moldova show.
Currently, work is ongoing in Chisinau to assemble the four transformers and install the associated equipment. In Vulcănești, the main metal structures have been installed, and the equipment will be set up as soon as weather conditions permit.
Dorin Junghietu, the Minister, emphasizes the strategic significance of this project for the energy security of the Republic of Moldova.
“Once completed, the line will enable us to supply over 50% of the energy we import, completely removing the vulnerability associated with the previous route that passed through the Transnistrian region. This means we can import energy directly from Romania without relying on Tiraspol,” he explained.
Additionally, the line will facilitate the transit and export of electricity to Romania and Ukraine, positioning the Republic of Moldova as a regional player in the energy market.
“Essentially, we are transitioning from a state that depends on energy from Russia to a regional player capable of exporting electricity and enhancing the energy security of the entire region,” Junghietu added.
The official also mentioned plans to attract investments for energy storage systems, which will further strengthen the country’s energy security.
In total, three major projects are underway to modernize the Moldovan electricity grid. Recently, the US Government announced that it will finance the construction of the Straseni–Gutinas power line with $ 130 million. The project was relaunched after USAID suspended funding in February 2025 and was initially planned for the period 2025–2029, based on a memorandum signed in 2024. The project will support the integration of American technologies and stimulate the development of the transport, IT, communications, nuclear energy and battery storage sectors.
Thus, after the completion of the Chisinau–Vulcănești line this year, two additional connections follow: the northern Balti–Suceava line, which is in the design stage, and the central Straseni–Gutinas line.
